PAT Council Update

By Jody Record, Media Relations
May 14, 2008

PAT Council representatives learned at their recent monthly meeting that they cannot use UNH computers to forward emails related to union organizing efforts to their constituents even if their aim is to act solely as a conduit.

Doing so is a violation of policy that says employees can’t use university resources to promote union information, according to Sharon Demers, assistant vice president of human resources.

Demers said employees can send any questions they have to HR or refer to the information page on the HR Web site (http://www.unh.edu/hr/union-organizing-drive.htm).

In other news, the council discussed how years of service are counted. The number of years non-benefited long-term hourly workers are at UNH aren’t considered in longevity pay or when it comes to separation incentive programs. Here’s why it matters: OS workers are, after 10 years of employment, entitled to longevity pay. If an employee works four years as a non-benefited OS employee and then works six as a benefited OS, the worker isn’t entitled to the longevity pay.

The same applies to the way years of employment are calculated to offer someone a SIP; the requirement must be met with benefit-eligible years.

Demers noted the question of how long someone can work as a full-time non-status employee is being evaluated.

We welcome your story ideas, letters, photos, notable events and achievements.

If you would like to submit an item, please contact the Editor Jody Record at 862-1462.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesdays at 4 pm.